Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)
About
The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) invites applications from neuroscience investigators seeking support to advance their small molecule drug discovery and development projects into the clinic. Participants in the BPN are responsible for conducting all studies that involve disease- or target-specific assays, models, and other research tools and receive funding for all activities to be conducted in their own laboratories. In addition, applicants will collaborate with NIH-funded consultants and can augment their project with NIH contract research organizations (CROs) that specialize in medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, formulations development, chemical synthesis including under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Phase I clinical testing. Projects can enter either at the Discovery stage, to optimize promising hit compounds through medicinal chemistry to the Development stage, to advance a single development candidate through Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling toxicology studies and phase I clinical testing. Alternatively, projects can enter at the Development stage and progress in a shorter period to IND enabling toxicology studies and phase I clinical testing. BPN awardee Institutions retain their assignment of IP rights and gain assignment of IP rights from the BPN contractors (and thereby control the patent prosecution and licensing negotiations) for drug candidates developed in this program.
The Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) is a specialized grant program designed for neuroscience investigators and research institutions committed to translating small molecule drug discovery into clinical reality. This program is ideal for researchers with promising drug candidates targeting disorders of the nervous system who want to accelerate their path from bench to bedside. BPN supports projects at two entry points: the Discovery stage, where researchers optimize hit compounds through medicinal chemistry, and the Development stage, where candidates advance through IND-enabling toxicology studies and Phase I clinical testing. What makes BPN uniquely valuable is its comprehensive support ecosystem—awardee institutions conduct disease-specific research in their own labs while gaining access to NIH-funded consultants and specialized contract research organizations (CROs) covering medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, formulations development, GMP chemical synthesis, and Phase I clinical testing. Critically, participating institutions retain and gain intellectual property rights for developed drug candidates, providing significant competitive advantage in patent prosecution and licensing negotiations. Eligible applicants include HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, AANAPISIs, and other qualifying organizations. This program is essential for researchers seeking to bridge the gap between basic neuroscience discovery and clinical application with substantial institutional and expert support.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 18, 2026
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding cycle
Deadline
2026-08-18
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (Next deadline: August 18, 2026)
Best For
Neuroscience researchers and institutions with small molecule drug discovery projects targeting nervous system disorders; HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and eligible organizations
Eligibility
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Govern
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Eligible applicants include neuroscience investigators and research institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), eligible federal agencies, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and Indian/Native American tribal governments. For the most current and complete eligibility requirements, visit the official NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network website.
How much funding does Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary and are not listed in the current program summary. The program structure includes UG3/UH3 mechanisms with clinical trial options. Contact the official program administrators or visit the NIH funding opportunity announcement for current funding ranges and mechanisms.
How do I apply for Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN): Small Molecule Drug Discovery and Development of Disorders of the Nervous System (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional)?
Applications are submitted through standard NIH grant application processes. The next deadline is August 18, 2026. Applicants should prepare detailed descriptions of their small molecule drug discovery project, including target nervous system disorder, current development stage (Discovery or Development), and research team qualifications. Consult the official NIH Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network funding opportunity announcement and grants.gov for specific submission requirements, application components, and institutional requirements.
What can Blueprint Neurotherapeutics Network (BPN) funding be used for?
BPN funding supports all studies involving disease- or target-specific assays, models, and research tools conducted in awardee laboratories. Additionally, funding covers access to NIH-funded consultants and specialized contract research organization services including medicinal chemistry optimization, pharmacokinetics studies, toxicology testing, formulations development, GMP chemical synthesis, and Phase I clinical trial testing. Projects progress from hit compound optimization through medicinal chemistry (Discovery stage) or advance development candidates through IND-enabling studies and clinical testing (Development stage).
Last updated: July 5, 2026